The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued showcause notices to two Booth Level Officers (BLO), an Electoral Registration Officer (ERO), and an Assistant Electoral Registration Officer (AERO) from Baruipur East assembly constituency of South 24 Parganas district for alleged violations in digitisation of enumeration forms during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise of electoral roll.
According to ECI sources, the poll body had initially deputed a teacher named Soma Paul as a BLO at booth 94 in Baruipur East assembly constituency. Soon after, allegations surfaced that she was the Trinamool Congress booth president. However, despite being relieved of duty, she allegedly continued to work. Even after the new BLO, Debi Pal, an Anganwari worker, joined, the former BLO was reportedly allowed to continue field duties.
The matter came to light after the poll observer identified her signature, confirming the violation.
A senior ECI official said, “Even after Soma Paul was removed, she continued as BLO till November 25 and also signed on enumeration forms. The poll observer also found that the enumeration forms with Debi Pal were digitised by another BLO.”
“When asked, the ERO and AERO also failed to give any explanation on the violations. The poll observer submitted a report following which the ECI issued show cause notices to all four of them,” the official added.
“Once they respond to the show cause notice, the ECI will take appropriate action. If ECI finds sufficient proof of forgery of documents or any other fraudulent activities, they can be jailed for 11 years,” the official said.
Meanwhile, the newly appointed Special Electoral Roll Observer arrived in Kolkata on Tuesday.
According to ECI sources, West Bengal CEO Manoj Agarwal and Special Electoral Roll Observer, retired IAS officer Subrata Gupta will attend a meeting with the newly appointed observers on Wednesday.
An ECI official said, “The five newly appointed observers will monitor the reviewing process of digitised enumeration forms and will help finalise the draft electoral roll that will be published on December 16.”